In the 1800s and the early part of this century it was fashionable for women as well as men to chew snuff and tobacco. This was particularly true in the South for women of all economic and social classes. The spittoon with the handle and hinged cover is an
authentic reproduction of a lady’s spittoon. The spittoon with a removable cover and no handle is an English table spittoon or “spit-box” circa 1860 that was often conveniently placed for guests’ use on a table by the front door. While spittoons are seldom used today, they would add an authentic decorative touch to a period setting and also serve as an amusing conversation piece.